The Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology has long recognised the need for a greater level of commercialisation of public and charity funded research, as well as for educational programmes focused on instilling the enterprise mindset in future generations. Indeed, the Department already has a strong record in facilitating technology transfer from its research platforms to the marketplace: In the last decade, the Institute of Biotechnology alone has filed around 100 patent applications, established nine successful spin-off companies and have been awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for its 21st century vision for bio-entrepreneurship.

We believe that the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology is a most attractive collaborative partner for joint research with industry. However, we also recognise that our impact from fundamental research in processes, healthcare and materials arises via different routes and cultural pathways. Impact is driven through:

Industrial links via consultancy, studentships, contracts and longer term research programmes, which can lead to improved processes, thereby enhancing productivity, competitiveness and wealth creation

Entrepreneurship, leading to spin-outs, where CEB has extended this to embrace social and ethical entrepreneurship

Clinical relationships resulting from a combination of entrepreneurial and collaborative activities